Heading
into the final round of the Canadian Rockstar Energy Triple Crown tour in
Hamilton, ON, Rockstar Energy OTSFF Yamaha was looking to make a statement and
solidify the Triple Crown Championship. Nicoletti knew what he had to do in
order to secure the Triple Crown Championship as well as the SX tour
championship. Phil would ride great all night which led him to being crowned
both the Triple Crown Champion and SX Tour Champion. Rockstar Energy OTSFF
Rider Sam Gaynor would put in some impressive results to finish off his rookie
season on the YZ450F with a 7th overall position in the main event.
Unfortunately the #3 of Shawn Maffenbeier would sustain an injury caused by a
crash during Shawn’s heat
race. The race was red flagged and Shawn was taken off by medical staff and
examined. Maffenbeier would not line up for the main event and went to get the
injury examined. We wish Shawn a speedy recovery and hope everything goes
smoothly.

Heat one saw Nicoletti get off to a
great start ahead of Cole Thompson. With Thompson looking for a chance to make
a move on Nicoletti, Phil held his ground and rode strong throughout the entire
Moto where he would start and finish in 1st cementing himself as the Triple
Crown Champion. Sam Gaynor would ride very consistent during heat 1. The start
of Moto would see the rookie round the first corner in 5th position. Gaynor
would ride very well putting in very consistent lap times in order to cross the
checkers in 5th position heading into the main event.

2019 Hamilton Supercross FirstOntario Centre Hamilton, Ontario October 20, 2019Shawn and Cam on the track waiting for practice to start

Approaching the main event with only
3 points separating Cole Thompson and Phil Nicoletti from the Supercross Tour
Championship, Nicoletti had to put his head down and charge in order to secure
the SX title. As the gates dropped for the main event Nicoletti would see
himself right at the front of the pack with Matt Goerke and Cole Thompson.
Charging in 3rd position behind, Phil quickly made a pass on Goerke to put

himself
into 2nd with eyes on the leader. Sam Gaynor would round the first corner right
behind Nicoletti looking very strong early in the Moto. As Nicoletti pushed to
take the lead, Thompson would get caught up with a lapper which would result in
Phil sliding by into the lead. As Nicoletti pushed towards a first place
finish, a lapper would unfortunately get in Phil’s way making it harder to pull
away from Goerke in 2nd. Goerke was able to just sneak by Phil with a few laps
to go. Phil would end up finishing in 2nd behind Matt with enough points ahead
of him in the SX championship to be crowned the overall Champion. Rockstar
Energy OTSFF Yamaha’s Sam Gaynor would end up finishing in an impressive 7th
position to finish off his Rookie season within the top 10 riders in the 450
class.

On
Sunday at the MRC Banquet, Sam Gaynor was awarded the Parts Canada Rookie of
the Year Award. This award was well deserved for Sam as he consistently showed
progress and determination throughout the entire MX and SX series. Phil
Nicoletti won most consistent rider with 10/15 podium finishes. Rockstar Energy
OTSFF Yamaha won best team set up.

2019 Rookie of the year Sam Gaynor

2019 Most consistent rider – Phil Nicoletti

A
huge shoutout to the entire Rockstar Energy OTSFF Team for their countless
hours or hard work and determination throughout the series. Risi George,
Cameron Callaghan, and Jeff Gaynor all worked incredibly hard this season and
it shows with zero mechanical DNF’s throughout the entire Triple Crown Series.
This wouldn’t be possible without the help of the entire team. Thank you to
everyone involve, this is a championship well deserved.

“It’s been a exciting year with lots of ups and
downs as racing always hands out. The final round gave us all of that. The
determination that everyone on the team has is what really makes it all happen
week in and out. Congrats to the whole team and we wish Shawn a speedy recovery
after Saturday evenings crash.”

– Steve Simms (Rockstar Energy OTSFF Yamaha
Team Manager)

“So pleased with the team and efforts in this crazy 2019 series. All
I can say is the Team was on its mark and it will only get better in 2020.”